The Shocking Truths Behind “Viral Videos”

I can’t tell you how many stories I hear of clueless CEOs who go out to their PR team and tell them to “make us a viral video.” Not knowing how the web really works, they think it’s as simple as coming up with the most genius idea ever, filming it, and collecting the money from the Internet truck that pulls up to you… Read more

When You Need to Take a PR “Sick Day”

I don’t get sick a lot, but when I do, it hits me like a ton of bricks. I’m laid up for a few days hacking my brains out and trying to breathe the best I can just hoping it will pass by soon. Recently my bi-annual bout hit me and I was forced to take a week off. Well, I still worked from my bed, but it’s like I was taking sic… Read more

4 Vital Elements to Include in Your Press Release

Think your press release is all sewn up and ready to go? Hold up! You may be leaving out some vital information in every one.  If you’ve ever wondered why your press releases aren’t getting picked up more often it’s possibly because they’re incomplete!

Check out the following four things that are abso… Read more

Why Spelling and Grammar Matter in Your Press Releases

I recently came across an article that asked if spelling and grammar mattered in press releases. The author makes the argument that “it doesn’t really matter how it’s written, it’s about what’s in them.” She goes on to say that most of your press release will end up on the cutting room floor anyway when the re… Read more

How to Transform Safe, Bland Press Release Quotes into Quotes the Media Will Love

When it comes to press release writing, there are certain things you need to include that are considered non-negotiables. The title, the contact info, the company summary…the list goes on and on. However, one of the most important pieces to the puzzle that we don’t often mention is the quote. Bottom line, … Read more

5 Out-of-the-Box Press Release Ideas

Sometimes it seems like writing press releases is a fruitless exercise. Usually this comes about because you’ve simply run out of fun ideas – which shows up in your writing! Nobody wants to read a boring press release, so yours get rejected. It’s a catch-22.

So to help with this conundrum, let’s take a look a… Read more

5 Reasons to Hate Traditional Press Releases

Hate press releases? You’re not alone! As time goes by, and new ways of marketing emerge, the lonely traditional press release is getting left behind. Here are five reasons why nobody can stand press releases anymore.

1. They Get Ignored

You spend so much time getting everything just right on your press re… Read more

The PR Fuel Mailbag: Press Releases as Email Attachments, Expert Quotes, and Loudmouth CEOs

Q: I need to send out a press release that includes graphics. But many public relations pros say not to send out press releases as an attachment. What should I do?

A: I’m going to stick with my gut and suggest that you don’t send out the release as an attachment. The reasoning here is simple: 1.) Em… Read more